Installing Exchange Server 2019: A Step-by-Step Guide

Exchange Server 2019 is Microsoft’s latest release of their flagship messaging and collaborative software, designed for enterprise-level organizations to manage emails, calendars, tasks, and contacts. This guide provides a comprehensive walkthrough for IT professionals on installing Exchange Server 2019.

Preparation

Before beginning the installation process, it’s crucial to ensure that your system meets all the necessary prerequisites:

• System Requirements: Verify that your server hardware, operating system, and software meet the Exchange Server 2019 system requirements.
• Active Directory: The server must be a member of an Active Directory domain, and the account used for installation should have the appropriate permissions, including membership in the Enterprise Admins and Schema Admins groups if this is the first Exchange server in the organization.
• Windows Server: Install the necessary Windows Server features and updates. For Exchange Server 2019, Windows Server 2019 is recommended.
• Exchange ISO: Download the latest version of Exchange Server 2019 from the Microsoft Volume Licensing Service Center or the official Microsoft website.

Installation Steps

1. Mount the ISO: Right-click the downloaded Exchange Server 2019 ISO file and select ‘Mount’. This will create a virtual DVD drive on your system.
2. Setup Wizard: Navigate to the virtual DVD drive and run ‘Setup.exe’ as an administrator. This will launch the Exchange Server Setup wizard.
3. Updates and License Agreement: Choose whether to check for updates during the installation and accept the license terms.
4. Server Role Selection: Select the roles that the server will perform. Typically, this will be the Mailbox role, which includes the management tools.
5. Installation Path: Choose the installation location for Exchange Server 2019.
6. Readiness Checks: The setup will perform checks to ensure that your system meets all the prerequisites for installation.
7. Installation: Proceed with the installation. This process may take some time, and the server may need to be restarted several times.
8. Finalization: After installation, open the Exchange Admin Center (EAC) to verify that the installation was successful and that all services are running properly.

Post-Installation Configuration

After successfully installing Exchange Server 2019, you’ll need to configure the server settings, mail flow, and client access. This includes setting up virtual directories, databases, and transport rules.

Conclusion

Installing Exchange Server 2019 requires careful planning and attention to detail. By following the steps outlined in this guide and ensuring all prerequisites are met, IT professionals can successfully deploy Exchange Server 2019 in their organizations, paving the way for efficient and secure communication.

Remember, after installing Exchange on a server, do not change the server’s name, as this is not supported and can lead to significant issues.

This guide aims to provide a clear path to installing Exchange Server 2019, but always consult the official documentation for the most up-to-date and detailed information.

AboutPraveen Kumar

A part-time blogger and full-time techie based in India. I began my IT career in 2010. Over the past 14 years, I've had the privilege of collaborating with great leaders and various companies. Currently, I work as a Senior Technical Specialist for Microsoft Cloud Technologies. With expertise in Microsoft Azure, Endpoint Manager, Exchange Online, and Teams Online, I assist colleagues worldwide with day-to-day tasks, administration, automation, and troubleshooting IT support issues.